PhD Program in Social Work

Welcome to the Ph.D. Program at the University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW)!

The GCSW is committed to preparing the next generation of social work scholars for faculty appointments in schools of social work or for high level positions in research. As students progress through the doctoral program, they identify, develop and pursue an area of research that prepares them to contribute to scholarship and advance the knowledge base of social work. Our curriculum is oriented towards evidence-based social work (EBSW) so that we train our students to generate and use valid research evidence to inform the decisions social workers make at all levels of practice and policy. By training our students in EBSW, we increase the capacity of our profession to build interdisciplinary partnerships in both research and practice.

The GCSW provides the kind of personal attention that enables students to succeed in their doctoral education. We offer small classes, individualized studies with faculty members, training workshops, research internships and a doctoral publication that is managed by our doctoral students. Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States with many diverse, multicultural populations. The Texas Medical Center, located in the heart of Houston, is one of the largest medical complexes in the world. As such, the greater Houston area offers doctoral students a vast array of opportunities for research activities. Through their teaching and advisement, the GCSW faculty share their knowledge and social work values with students. By emphasizing scholarship and research, GCSW faculty help students engage in critical thinking and intellectual discovery. We welcome your interest in our doctoral program.